Convertible container and mat and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A container that has perforations oriented so that when the container is opened along the perforations, the container forms a mat. The container may also be configured to form a tray when opened along the perforations. The perforations may be oriented so that the converted container provides a generally planar placemat portion that is integral with a tray portion. The perforations may also be oriented to produce a generally planar mat portion that is detached from the tray portion. The container is preferably made out of paper, cardboard, plastic, foil, metal and wood and is in the form of a bag or box. The use of the convertible container and method therefor allows a user to easily convert the container into a mat and tray that provides a clean surface for the objects and allows the user to easily access the objects once the container is open.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of application Ser. No. 60/798,783 filed on May 8, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to containers and mats. More particularly, the present invention relates to a container which is convertible to a mat and a method therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A conventional container such as a bag or box does not provide a surface for the contents to be placed upon once the container is open that is easily accessible to the user and protects the contents from dirt or contamination. Instead, a user wanting a clean, easily accessible surface to place the contents of the container once the container is opened normally needs a separate mat to rest the contents of the container. For instance, with regard to food providers, fast food establishments and other take-out types of eating places typically serve the food product in bags for carrying to a place to be consumed such as a table, a park bench, a chair, in a vehicle or even on the ground. Since a tray or mat is not provided, a person must take the food out of the bag and place it on the table, for example, usually on the bare surface. A problem with such a procedure is that the table may be unsanitary especially in a food court or the like which could cause illness. Sometimes a napkin is utilized as a makeshift place mat. A problem with using a napkin when placed under a food product such as, for example, a hamburger, the napkin can blow away in the wind when used outdoors when the hamburger is removed from the napkin when being eaten.

As another example, with regard to automotive parts such as ball bearings, the bearings are greased and come in a container that does not provide a clean, easily accessible surface to protect the work surface from getting soiled from the bearings or the bearings from being contaminated with debris from the work surface. Instead, a user must provide a separate mat.

In view of the above mentioned problems and limitations of conventional bags and boxes that fail to provide a mat, there is a need for a container that is suitable for holding objects and economical to produce which easily converts to a mat that provides a clean resting surface for the objects and allows the user to easily access the objects.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a container employing perforations that is easily converted into a mat by opening the perforations.

It is another object of this invention to provide a container employing perforations that is easily converted into a mat and a tray by opening the perforations.

Still a further object of this invention to provide a method for converting a container having perforations into a mat.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a method for converting a container having perforations into a tray and a mat.

It is another object of this invention to provide a container in the form of a bag or a box that converts into a mat.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a convertible container and mat that is simple in design, economical to manufacture, low in cost, fun and easy to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention results from the realization that there is a great need for an improved container which allows the user to readily transform the container into a mat that provides a safe resting surface for the contents of the container and allows the user easy accessibility to the contents. The container is adapted for use in many different fields. For instance, the container may hold automotive products, hardware products, food products, medical products, toys, etc.

The above and the other objects are achieved in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, which, according to a first aspect, provides a convertible container and mat. The container has a bottom, opposing spaced apart first and second sides, opposing spaced apart first and second faces and each face and each side contiguous with the bottom and each face adjoining the sides; a first line of perforations vertically extending from an open end of the container to a second line of perforations and the second line of perforations horizontally disposed about a perimeter of the container near the bottom and spaced apart therefrom and the perforations able to be opened so that a mat is formed from the container.

Another illustrative embodiment of the invention, which, according to a second aspect, similar to the first aspect, provides another form of the convertible container and mat. According to another aspect of the invention, a method for converting a container into a mat is provided.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a convertible container and mat showing a container with perforations;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the convertible container and mat of FIG. 1 showing the container converted to a mat after opening the perforations;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing curved perforations on the container;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing straight perforations on the container;

FIGS. 5 to 9 are perspective views showing the sequence for converting the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 from a container to a mat;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a convertible container and mat showing a container with perforations;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the convertible container and mat of FIG. 10 showing a container converted to a mat after opening the perforations;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing curved perforations on the container;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged, view showing straight perforations on the container; and

FIGS. 14 to 16 are perspective views showing the sequence for converting the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 10 from a container to a mat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Looking more particularly to the drawings of FIGS. 1 to 9; FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a convertible container and a mat of the instant invention, which is indicated generally at 10, according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The container 12 has a bottom 18, opposing spaced apart first 20 and second 22 sides, opposing spaced apart first 24 and second 26 faces and each face, 24, 26 and each side, 20, 22 contiguous with the bottom 18 and each face 24, 26 adjoining the sides 20, 22; a first line of perforations 32, 32 a vertically extending from an open end 28 of the container 12 to a second line of perforations 34, 34 a; the second line of perforations 34, 34 a horizontally disposed about a perimeter of the container 12 near the bottom 18 and spaced apart therefrom and the first line of perforations 32, 32 a and the second line of perforations 34, 34 a each able to be opened so that a mat 14 is formed from the container 12. It is understood that the container 12 may include the form of a bag or a box.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the convertible container and mat 10 of FIG. 1 showing the container 12 converted to a mat 14 after opening the perforations 32, 32 a and 34, 34 a. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing curved perforations 32, 34 on the container 12 10 and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing straight perforations 32 a, 34 a on the container 12.

FIGS. 5 to 9 show the sequence for converting the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 from a container 12 to a mat 14. To begin the conversion process, as shown in FIG. 5, the first line of perforations 32, 32 a disposed on first face 24 are torn in the direction of the arrow a. FIG. 6 shows the opening along the second line of perforations 34, 34 a in the direction of arrow b thereby separating the first face 24 in half. As seen in FIG. 7, the opening continues to separate first side 20 and second side 22 in the direction of arrows c and d. FIG. 8 illustrates further opening to separate second face 26 in the direction of arrow e. FIG. 9 shows smoothing out, in the direction of arrow f, of the mat 14 with a tray 40 formed intact on the mat 14.

The container 12 is generally rectangular in shape and is constructed from a material chosen from the group consisting of paper, cardboard, plastic, foil, metal and wood. The first line of perforations 32 and the second line of perforations 34 are curved. Alternately, the first line of perforations 32 a and the second line of perforations 34 a are straight. The first line of perforations 32, 32 a is centrally disposed on the first face 24. The second line of perforations 34, 34 a extends onto the first face 24, the first side 20 and the second side 22 without extending onto the second face 26. The tray 40, having three vertical walls 42 and each wall 42 contiguous with the bottom 18 and adjoining the second face 26, is formed when the perforations 32, 32 a, 34, 34 a are separated whereby the tray 40 being integral with the mat 14.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a convertible container 30 and mat 50 showing a container 52 with perforations. The container 52 is similar in construction to the above illustrative embodiment. The container 52 has a bottom 64, opposing spaced apart first 66 and second 68 sides, opposing spaced apart first 70 and second 72 faces and each face, 70, 72 and each side, 66, 68 contiguous with the bottom 64 and each face 70, 72 adjoining the sides 66, 68; a first line of perforations 56, 56 a vertically extending from an open 5 end 74 of the container 52 to a second line of perforations 58, 58 a; the second line of perforations 58, 58 a horizontally disposed about a perimeter of the container 52 near the bottom 64 and spaced apart therefrom and the first line of perforations 56, 56 a and the second line of perforations 58, 58 a each able to be opened so that a mat 54 is formed therefrom the container 52. It is understood that the container 52 may include the form of one of a bag and a box.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the convertible container and mat of FIG. 10 showing a container 52 converted to a mat 54 after opening the perforations 56, 56 a and 58, 58 a.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing curved perforations 56, 58 on the container 52 and FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing straight perforations 56 a, 58 a on the container 52.

FIGS. 14 to 16 show the sequence for converting the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 10 from a container 52 to a mat 54. To begin the conversion process, as shown in FIG. 14, the first line of perforations 56, 56 a is disposed adjoining the first face 70 and the first side 66 is torn in the direction of the arrows j and k. FIG. 15 shows continuous opening of the second line of perforations 58, 58 a in the direction of arrow 1 thereby completely separating the tray 60 from the mat 54. FIG. 16 shows smoothing out, in the direction of arrow m, of the mat 54 with the tray 60 being completely separated.

The container 52 is generally rectangular in shape and is constructed from a material chosen from the group consisting of paper, cardboard, plastic, foil, metal and wood. The first line of perforations 56 and the second line of perforations 58 are curved. Alternately, the first line of perforations 56 a and the second line of perforations 58 a are straight. The first line of perforations 56, 56 a is disposed adjoining the first face 70 and the first side 66. The second line of perforations extends completely around the perimeter of the container 52 including onto the second face 72. The tray 60, having four vertical walls 62 and each wall 62 contiguous with the bottom 64, is formed when the perforations 56, 56 a, 58, 58 a are separated whereby the tray 60 being independently detached from the mat 54.

The following is an explanation as to how the invention may be used for example, as a food container. When the container 52 is used for food products, food is provided and placed into the container 12, 52 and carried to a table or eating area by a user. To use the convertible container and mat 10, 50, as best seen in FIGS. 5 to 9 and in FIGS. 14 to 16, a user simply opens the perforations indicated to convert the container 12, 52 to a mat 14, 54 including tray 40 and 60, after which the user puts the food thereon, for consumption. The mat 14, 54 when used with food products serves as a place mat.

One practical advantage of the invention is that it provides a mat 14, 54 which provides a clean resting surface and protects the contents from being soiled or contaminated. Additionally, the mat 14, 54 prevents the contents from soiling the surface under the mat. For instance, when used with food, the container 12, 52 allows the user to eat food on the mat 14, 54 for sanitary food consumption and the elimination of the spread of germs. Another advantage of the invention is that the container provides a mat 14, 54 which forms a safe, easily accessible resting surface for the contents without requiring the user to obtain a separate mat. Still another advantage of the invention is that the convertible container and mat is designed for ease and economy of manufacture as well as for functionality. The invention provides an attractive, highly functional convertible container and mat that is convenient to use. Of course, a wide variety of further uses and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art.

The container 12, 52 is very useful for use with non-edible items as well as food products and may be used in many different fields including automotive products, hardware products, food products, medical products, toys, etc. For example, the container 12, 52 can be used to hold automotive parts whereby the user can open the container and use the mat 14, 54 to hold greasy or dirty parts that would otherwise soil the surface they are placed upon. The mat 14, 54 is adapted to be easily disposed when the user is finished using the mat.

In addition to markings on the outside of Applicant's container, Applicant may also have print on the inside of the container which forms the top surface of the mat 14, 54 when the container is converted. The printed matter may comprise entertainment in the form of games, stories, or doodling/drawing activities. The printed matter may also comprise instructions. For instance, the container 12, 52 of the present invention may be used to hold construction set pieces. For this particular application, it is desirable that the inside of the container 12, 52 includes printed directions for constructing different objects and designates places to position certain pieces to help the user organize and build the construction set.

As disclosed, it is apparent that the invention can provide other options and applications. One skilled in the art will realize that the foregoing discussion outlines the more important features of the invention to enable a better understanding of the instant invention and to instill a better appreciation of the inventor's contribution to the art. It must be clear that the disclosed details of construction, descriptions of geometry and illustrations of inventive concepts are mere examples of possible manifestations of the invention.

It should be understood, of course, that the specific form of the invention herein illustrated and described is intended to be representative only, as certain changes may be made therein without departing from the clear teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following appended claims in determining the full scope of the invention. 

1. A container that converts to a mat, said convertible container comprising: a bottom, an open end, opposing spaced apart first and second sidewalls, and opposing spaced apart first and second faces; said faces and said side walls being contiguous with the bottom and said faces adjoin said side walls; and said container having perforations oriented such that that when said container is opened along the perforations, said container forms a place mat.
 2. The convertible container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said perforations comprise: a first line of perforations vertically extending from said open end of said container to a second line of perforations; said second line of perforations having a first portion horizontally disposed about a perimeter of said container near said bottom and extending across said first face and said first and second side walls and second portions vertically disposed between said second face and said first and second side walls and terminating at said bottom, wherein said convertible container when opened along the perforations includes a tray portion having three vertical walls, each of the three vertical walls contiguous with the bottom and a generally planar mat portion integral with said tray portion.
 3. The convertible container as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first and second lines of perforations are curved.
 4. The convertible container as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first and second lines of perforations are straight.
 5. The convertible container as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first line of perforations is centrally disposed on said first face.
 6. The convertible container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said perforations comprise: a first line of perforations vertically extending from said open end of said container to a second line of perforations; said second line of perforations horizontally disposed about a perimeter of said container near said bottom and extending completely along said first face and second face and said first and second side walls wherein said convertible container when opened along the perforations forms a tray portion having four vertical walls each wall contiguous with said bottom and a generally planar mat portion that is completely detached from said tray portion.
 7. The convertible container as set forth in claim 6 wherein said first and second lines of perforations are curved.
 8. The convertible container as set forth in claim 6 wherein said first and second lines of perforations are straight.
 9. The convertible container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said container is constructed from a material chosen from the group consisting of paper, cardboard, plastic, foil, metal and wood.
 10. The convertible container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said container is a bag.
 11. The convertible container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said container is a box.
 12. The convertible container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said container is generally rectangular in shape.
 13. A method for converting a container having a bottom, an open end, opposing spaced apart first and second side walls, and opposing spaced apart first and second faces, said faces and said side walls being contiguous with the bottom and said faces adjoin said side walls; and said container having first and second lines of perforations, said first line of perforations vertically extending from said open end of said container to said second line of perforations, said second line of perforations having a first portion horizontally disposed about a perimeter of said container near said bottom and extending through said first face and said first and second side walls and a second portion vertically disposed between said second face and said first and second side walls, comprising the steps of: opening the container along said first line of perforations to said second line of perforations; opening said first portion of said second line of perforations; and opening said second portion of said second line of perforations to form a tray portion and a generally planar mat portion integral with said tray portion.
 14. A method for converting a container having a bottom, an open end, opposing spaced apart first and second side walls, and opposing spaced apart first and second faces, said faces and said side walls being contiguous with the bottom and said faces adjoin said side walls; and said container having first and second lines of perforations, said first line of perforations vertically extending from said open end of said container to said second line of perforations, said second line of perforations disposed about a perimeter of said container near said bottom and extending completely through said first face and second face and said first and second side walls, comprising the steps of: opening said first line of perforations to said second line of perforations; and opening said second line of perforations to form a tray having four vertical walls, each wall contiguous with said bottom, and a generally planar mat that is completely detached from said tray. 